The Zoot Suit is a perfect representation of the history of the Chicano theatre. Chicano theatre thrived in Southern California where the Zoot Suit also took place. The theatre eventually grew to the East to Chicago with the help of the railroads being built. Many of the pieces that were popular during the beginning centered around the struggles and traditions that the Chicano community went through. For example, La Victima, was inspired by the efforts made by the government to deport Mexican workers in the United States. Zoot suit focused on the discrimination that was going on between the Caucasians and the hispanic zoot suiters. One of Chicano Theatre's main characteristics is using Spanglish in the script which was very apparent in the Zoot Suit. Spanish songs and phrases were incorporated into the English script which made it feel much more relatable and diverse. I would place this play in the Interim Years which was after the theatre were financially struggling. While Cuban theatre took over Miami and Nuyo-ricans took over New York, Chicano theatre dominated California. Mexican immigrants were the base of the Chicano theatre movement.
The Zoot Suit is a perfect representation of the history of the Chicano theatre. Chicano theatre thrived in Southern California where the Zoot Suit also took place. The theatre eventually grew to the East to Chicago with the help of the railroads being built. Many of the pieces that were popular during the beginning centered around the struggles and traditions that the Chicano community went through. For example, La Victima, was inspired by the efforts made by the government to deport Mexican workers in the United States. Zoot suit focused on the discrimination that was going on between the Caucasians and the hispanic zoot suiters. One of Chicano Theatre's main characteristics is using Spanglish in the script which was very apparent in the Zoot Suit. Spanish songs and phrases were incorporated into the English script which made it feel much more relatable and diverse. I would place this play in the Interim Years which was after the theatre were financially struggling. While Cuban theatre took over Miami and Nuyo-ricans took over New York, Chicano theatre dominated California. Mexican immigrants were the base of the Chicano theatre movement.